Oyo issues Okada, tricycle operators 21 -day ultimatum

THE Oyo State government at the weekend gave a 21-day ultimatum to operators of commercial motorcycles and tricycles to register or face ban.

It said the move was to check the rising wave of robbery by Okada riders, especially in Ibadan, the state capital, lately.

A statement by the Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Transport, Mr. Yemi Aderibigbe, explained that armed robbers using motorcycles have been on the rise in the state.

He said it is now compulsory for all commercial transport operators to register with the state’s Transporters Enumeration and Registration Scheme (OYSTER).

The ultimatum commences tomorrow (Monday). It read in parts: “All motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state will be issued reflective jackets and unique identification numbers to make it easier for the populace and law enforcement agents to identify them and differentiate them from the crime perpetrators.

“The Oyo State government also wants to emphasise that no other organisation, agency or transport union in the state has the right to issue reflective jackets to operators except OYSTER, which is the agency of government empowered to perform this role.

“Commencing from Monday May, 27, it will become an illegal act for any motorcycle or tricycle operator to ride in any part of Oyo State without the government issued reflective vest and unique identification number.”